Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella Sticks Recipe - Authentic Italian Cuisine with Breadcrumbs and Egg

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mozzarella sticks are a popular appetizer or snack that are loved by many for their gooey, cheesy goodness. These crispy, fried sticks of mozzarella cheese are a crowd-pleaser and are often served with marinara sauce for dipping.

History

Mozzarella sticks are believed to have originated in the United States in the 1970s. They quickly gained popularity in restaurants and bars as a tasty and indulgent snack. Today, they are a staple on many appetizer menus and are enjoyed by people of all ages.

Ingredients

0.25 lb (113 g) of fresh mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup of seasoned Italian breadcrumbs
1 large egg

How to prepare

Preheat the deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the mozzarella into sticks measuring 1 – 3 cm in diameter.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg.
Fill another small bowl with breadcrumbs.
Dip 3 – 4 sticks at a time into the egg.
Shake off any excess egg from the sticks and place them in the bowl of breadcrumbs.
Shake the bowl of breadcrumbs to evenly coat all the sticks. Add more breadcrumbs as needed.
Set aside the coated sticks and repeat the process for the remaining sticks.
After all the sticks have been coated, repeat the egg-dip and crumb-coat process for each stick once more.
Place all the sticks in the fryer basket and submerge them in the oil heated to 350°F (177°C).
Let them sit for 30 seconds, gently rocking the basket occasionally.
Lift the basket and let the sticks cool for a few seconds. If the cheese is not beginning to ooze out from half of the sticks, submerge them in the oil for another 10–15 seconds, gently shaking the basket. Repeat this step until the cheese is just starting to ooze out.
Dump the sticks onto a paper towel and gently pat off any excess oil.
Serve the sticks hot.

Variations

Slice the mozzarella into cubes measuring 2 – 3 cm on each side.
Dip 5 – 6 bites at a time into the beaten egg.
Proceed with the remaining steps of the recipe as mentioned above, and savor the delicious mozzarella bites.
Try using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a twist on the classic recipe.
Add herbs or spices to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Bake the mozzarella sticks instead of frying for a healthier alternative.

Notes

Mozzarella Sticks from the Wikibooks Cookbook—original recipe, licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 1 – 2

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh mozzarella for the best results.

- Be sure to coat the mozzarella sticks thoroughly in the egg and breadcrumbs to ensure a crispy exterior.

- Fry the sticks in small batches to prevent overcrowding in the fryer.

- Serve the mozzarella sticks immediately after frying for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Mozzarella sticks are best served hot and crispy, with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Deep frying is the traditional method for cooking mozzarella sticks, but they can also be baked in the oven for a lighter option.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh mozzarella, you can use string cheese or another type of cheese that melts well.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the mozzarella sticks ahead of time and freeze them before frying. Simply fry them straight from the freezer when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the mozzarella sticks on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Mozzarella sticks pair well with a cold beer or a glass of white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of mozzarella sticks contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of mozzarella sticks contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of mozzarella sticks contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of mozzarella sticks contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Mozzarella sticks are a good source of calcium, providing approximately 20% of the recommended daily intake per serving.

Alergens

Mozzarella sticks contain dairy and gluten.

Summary

Mozzarella sticks are a delicious but indulgent treat, high in fat and calories but also a good source of protein and calcium.

Summary

Mozzarella sticks are a delicious and indulgent snack that are perfect for parties, game day, or anytime you're craving something cheesy and crispy. Enjoy them hot and gooey with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Carla's house. Carla's mother, Mrs. Rossi, was in the kitchen preparing a delicious Italian feast for dinner. As I watched her effortlessly move around the kitchen, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that, I couldn't help but be amazed by her culinary skills.

I asked Mrs. Rossi what she was making, and she replied with a smile, "Mozzarella sticks, one of our family favorites." She then proceeded to show me how to make them, explaining each step in detail. I watched in awe as she coated the mozzarella sticks in breadcrumbs, fried them to perfection, and served them hot and gooey with a side of marinara sauce.

I couldn't wait to try making them myself, so Mrs. Rossi wrote down the recipe for me on a piece of paper. That night, I went home and gathered all the ingredients I needed to recreate the delicious mozzarella sticks. As I followed the recipe, I could almost hear Mrs. Rossi's voice guiding me through each step.

When I took my first bite of the crispy, cheesy mozzarella stick, I knew I had found a new favorite dish. The combination of the crunchy coating and the gooey cheese was simply irresistible. I made mozzarella sticks for my family and friends, and they all raved about how delicious they were.

Over the years, I continued to make mozzarella sticks, experimenting with different variations and adding my own twist to the recipe. I shared the recipe with anyone who asked, passing on the delicious tradition that Mrs. Rossi had started.

One day, while visiting my Aunt Maria, she told me about a cooking class she had taken in Italy. The chef had shared a secret ingredient for making the best mozzarella sticks – a touch of oregano in the breadcrumbs. I was intrigued and decided to give it a try.

I added a sprinkle of oregano to the breadcrumbs and fried the mozzarella sticks as usual. The aroma that filled my kitchen was heavenly, and when I took a bite of the oregano-infused mozzarella stick, I was transported back to Italy. The flavors were rich and fragrant, and I knew I had stumbled upon something special.

I shared my new recipe with Aunt Maria, who was delighted by the addition of oregano. She said it reminded her of the mozzarella sticks she had enjoyed in Italy and thanked me for bringing a taste of her homeland to her kitchen.

As the years went on, I continued to refine the recipe for mozzarella sticks, drawing inspiration from different sources and incorporating new ingredients. I learned to make my own marinara sauce from scratch, adding fresh herbs and spices to elevate the flavors even further.

I also discovered the joy of making mozzarella sticks with my grandchildren. They would eagerly gather around the kitchen counter, helping me dip the mozzarella sticks in breadcrumbs and fry them to golden perfection. The look of delight on their faces when they bit into a hot mozzarella stick filled my heart with joy.

Now, whenever I make mozzarella sticks, I think back to that warm summer day at Carla's house and the moment I first saw the recipe that would become a cherished tradition in my family. I am grateful to Mrs. Rossi for sharing her culinary expertise with me and to Aunt Maria for introducing me to the magic of oregano.

Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my loved ones and create lasting memories. And as I continue to pass down the recipe for mozzarella sticks to future generations, I know that I am sharing not just a dish, but a piece of my heart and soul.